Washington: In a dramatic show of military strength, the United States Air Force test-launched a nuclear-capable Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday, May 21, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The missile, though unarmed, traveled more than 4,200 miles across the Pacific Ocean to a test site in the Marshall Islands, showcasing the operational readiness of the US nuclear arsenal.
A video documenting the launch surfaced on social media. Have a look:
Missile Soars at Hypersonic Speed in Routine Display of Deterrence
The missile, launched at speeds exceeding 15,000 miles per hour, landed at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll, according to a statement from the US Air Force. General Thomas Bussiere, head of the US Global Strike Command, said the launch reaffirms the credibility of America’s nuclear deterrent and the preparedness of its missile forces.
"This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad," Gen Bussiere said, as quoted by AFP. He also praised the personnel responsible for maintaining the missile systems, calling them “dedicated Airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and support teams – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies.”
Officials clarified that the test was pre-scheduled and not intended as a geopolitical signal, despite the tense international climate. The Minuteman III, which has been in service since the 1970s, is slated for replacement by the newer Sentinel missile system in the coming years.
Test Coincides with Trump’s Missile Defense Push
The launch coincides with President Donald Trump’s unveiling of his ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. Announced earlier this week, the plan proposes an initial $25 billion investment, with a total projected cost of $175 billion. Trump envisions a nationwide shield capable of intercepting threats ranging from ICBMs to hypersonic missiles and drones within the next three years.
While Trump described the plan as a “vital safeguard for future generations,” experts quoted by AFP warn that technical hurdles, industrial capacity, and political will could complicate the project's rollout.
